American imperialism

Summary

American imperialism is the exercise of power by the United States of America outside its borders. The United States expanded its territory initially via conquest and colonialism, later shifting to controlling/influencing other countries without conquest, using techniques such as alliances; aid; gunboat diplomacy; treaties; trade; support for preferred political factions; regime change; economic influence via private companies; and cultural influence. American expansion ended in the late 19th century, with the exception of some Caribbean and Western Pacific islands. While the United States does not typically describe itself as an empire, some commentators, including Max Boot, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., and Niall Ferguson, have characterized it as one.